RESIDENTS along Glategny Esplanade are concerned the proposed development plans for the area could be to the detriment of their properties. Glategny Holdings and Salerie Holdings have applied to demolish the former Bucktrout warehouse, the now closed Salerie Inn and the Onesimus Dorey building next to it.
A four-storey office block has been proposed for the warehouse site and a block of nine flats will be created on the Salerie Inn site, with five Victorian-style terrace houses earmarked for Well Road.
Associated car-parking provision will be within the existing quarry behind the seafront.
‘I think there are concerns - we don’t know what these guys are up to,’ said Richard Flemming, who has lived at Glategny Esplanade for about three years.
‘With the Bucktrout building, something needs to be done - it’s an ugly place. But I don’t know what the heck is going to come up behind this house.
‘There’s a deep quarry behind here, about 60-100ft deep, and they want to put parking there? Maybe they’re planning a multi-storey car park - I don’t think people would like that.’
Other concerns from residents included fears that the new development at Salerie Inn would overlook their properties and would not be in keeping with the character of the surrounding architecture. Len Hart, 67, said that wildlife in the quarry could also be affected.
‘It would destroy any wildlife there. But I don’t think I would be bothered by the building noise, it’s a noisy road anyway.
‘I just hope they do the best they can.’
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed that people living in the area were more than used to noise, what with the development of Marina Court further along the road.
On the whole, people were keen to see the former Bucktrout warehouse demolished, with some claiming it is an eyesore.
St Peter Port deputy Rhoderick Matthews said he would be willing to speak to any residents who had concerns about the project. He also admitted to having his own reservations about the future of the Salerie Inn site.
‘I would like to retain the old style and character of St Peter Port. Once you put modern buildings in the place of old ones, you can never recreate that sense of age.
‘Just because something is old doesn’t mean you should keep it, but if it’s well worth preserving, then maybe you should.’
Mr Matthews hoped developers would be able to see past the neglected state of the Onesimus Dorey building, which is not listed but adds to the character of the area.
‘It doesn’t look good at the moment, but it could easily be restored. It would be great if the developer could find a way to incorporate it.’
n BAS Architects is expected to make a comment today.
Article posted on 17th January, 2008 - 12.00am
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